Boosting Capacity in WDM Networks

[Mohamed.Saeed]

1. Optimize Spectral Utilization with Flex Grid
   Flex grid lets you make better use of the optical spectrum by fitting more channels into the available bandwidth and adjusting channel widths with fine granularity.

2. Combine C-Band and L-Band
   The C-band typically supports up to 96 channels. Adding the L-band alongside it significantly increases total capacity. (I’ve explained the L-band in detail in previous posts.)

3. Adopt Higher-Order Modulation
   Using advanced modulation formats like QAM increases the bits per symbol. For example:

   • QPSK: 2 bits/symbol
   • 16-QAM: 4 bits/symbol
   • 64-QAM: 6 bits/symbol

By combining these approaches - flex grid, expanded bands, and higher-order modulation - you can substantially boost WDM link capacity.

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𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐝𝐦 | Mohamed Saeed